Baby Owl

peek-a-boo!

This is my newest creation! I made this baby owl to go along with some burp cloths I plan to sell on Etsy. I figured that having a little baby rattle to go along with them might make the items stand out from the crowd (there are lots of burp cloths for sale on Etsy!)

I had so much fun trying to translate the cute little owlets from the fabric into a 3-D ami... and he turned out just how I wanted!

I love everything about him, right down to his round belly and little toes!

Blog Review - Cocoa Cream's Craft Closet

Today we're exploring the world of Cocoa Cream's Craft Closet. Cocoa is a crochet aficionado, photographer, seamstress, and designer. Her blog shows off her finished projects, patterns, photos, tutorials, and her lovable kitties (along with other, general, life-stuff). We're focusing on the crochet side of her blog today, but be sure to check it all out for inspiration in other areas!

Cocoa has a long-time love for crochet. She often uses her talents to produce gifts for family and friends, while still working on a thing or two for herself! She doesn't have a huge repertoire of patterns available to the public, but the patterns Cocoa has posted on her blog are all beautiful!

Below you will find Cocoa's email interview.

How long have you been crocheting?
I started crocheting when I was about 13, so I guess that would be 14 years ago now. My grandmother taught me how to crochet rugs using a hand-carved wooden hook and strips of old material sewn together. I didn't begin crocheting with yarn until college when a friend taught me how to make a scarf. After that, I just started teaching myself basic stitches using old pattern books my mother had.

What's the project you're most proud of?
Hmmm...that's a tough one! I am very proud of the first wearable I made, a Circle Jacket from Caron designed by Doris Chan. It was a big step for me to go beyond the basic rectangles and circles and make something lacy and feminine to wear.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I love the forgiving nature of crochet. I am a huge perfectionist, so if I can see a mistake in something I made I feel very frustrated. When I crochet, even if I miss a stitch or misread part of a pattern, the finished product usually still looks great. And if the mistake is too obvious to go on, it's easy to just frog back to the mistake and fix it!

What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
I really enjoy making things for other people. Whether it be baby afghans, hats, scarves, or kitchen sets...I just get the most gratification out of making things to give as gifts. I seem to have more motivation to finish a project when it's a gift, too, which helps me crochet more quickly!

What's your favorite design you've ever created?
I think it would have to be shawl/wrap I designed for a craft bazaar a couple of years ago. It was a simple design, but it turned out looking so elegant and feminine that I didn't want to part with it!

How do you go about designing?
I usually design things out of necessity. It starts with a specific project I have in mind, and I begin searching the internet for pattern to fit my idea. When I don't find what I'm looking for, I often go to my stitch pattern books, looking for inspiration. Once I have decided what stitch pattern and colors I want to use, I just start crocheting what's in my head. Sometimes I write out what I'm doing as I go so that I can post a pattern for it later, and other times I just shoot for the final product. I'm not very organized or professional about how I design things, no charts or graphs or anything like that. I just go where ever inspiration leads!


What else are you interested in?
I also enjoy other crafts besides crochet, such as sewing, embroidery and paper projects. Cooking is become more of a hobby for me since I quit my job to be a full-time housewife. I also enjoy blogging, obviously, and exploring on the internet. Music is a huge part of my life...it was my major in college, and my husband is the full-time Music Minister of our church. I love to sing, and I also play the piano and clarinet. My faith is the center of my life, so I am very involved in my church, not only in the music program, but women's Bible studies as well. I also love working with children, so I'll probably be getting plugged into our children's ministry soon, as well!


Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
Not much, oh, except that my three kittens Molly, Max and Maggie want to say "hi." They will probably be trying to take over my blog any day now, so watch out!

Thanks to Cocoa for joining the Blog Review!

Fourth of July Giftset

My mom has a co-worker getting married this weekend. With its close proximity to Independence Day and my mom already giving a grilling gift basket, she thought some Fourth of July themed handmade items would be a good finishing touch. Mom provided me with some Lion Brand solid red and blue and white variegated cotton yarn and these were my final products. I used all free patterns (hot pad, oven mitt, dishcloth) except the star on the hot pad (improvised!). I always love coming back to these easy and quickly satisfying types of projects.

Balance

So I know I've been a little lazy with my blog lately. I somehow find it difficult to balance, producing objects, trying to be creative, and actually reporting on my progress all within the small amount of time I have to do all that each day! I have been busy behind the scenes working on several things. I'll try to get them up here and on Ravelry to prove I've not been just lounging around enjoying my summer (ok, I've been doing a lot of that too!)

Oh, and if you are of the creative persuasion and want to join in some fun, I'm going to be participating with my friend Christin in her new collaborative effort called InJoy! I plan to InJoy every minute of it! (sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I can hear the groans from here)

Little Turtle

I made this little guy a few weeks ago for my son. I find it difficult to think of things to make for him, being a boy and all, and I finally hit on an idea I thought he'd appreciate. His new favorite color of the moment was green, and I had some camo yarn lying around. Thinking of what to make with camo yarn that wasn't war-related (he's only 4, you know, I'm trying to preserve innocence here!) I thought a turtle would be a good fit.

I did some double crochet shells in the round for the shell of the turtle, and a single crochet oval shape for the belly, all in camo. Then I made a head, four matching legs, and a triangle for a tail in the green leftover from making Marky. I thought he turned out pretty cute! My son liked him a lot.... for about 5 minutes, then went back to playing with his other toys. Now you know the other reason I hardly ever make things for him! My daughter has pretty much adopted him since that time. Go figure!

Blog Review - Coffee n' Crafts

Today's review is of Tammy's blog "Coffee n' Crafts". Tammy's blog is an intimate look into her life, her talent, and her faith. Her openness and vulnerability make her readers feel like they've known her for years! Tammy (or Tam) is an avid crocheter and knitter who also had a budding "printable" business on the side (see her email interview for more info). She has a large repertoire of finished objects for display on her blog; some from patterns, some she created herself, and even free patterns! One of my favorite items is a "recon" taking a thrifted tank top and making it into a bag using a little yarn- ingenious!

Besides her passion for coffee, Tammy has a passion for charitable works - especially supporting those struggling with nephrotic syndrome like her son. If you are looking for encouragement or just a reminder of how your skills can be used to glorify God, be sure to visit her blog! Tammy can also be found on Crochetville, yahoo groups, or many other boards as "teakaycee".

Below is Tammy's email interview:

How long have you been crocheting?
I’ve been crocheting since I was 7. An Aunt of mine taught me to crochet one day.... as I sat watching her make a beautiful blanket for a new baby that was due in our family. I caught on pretty quick… and supplied each house in my ‘family’ with potholders, wash clothes, and trivets that Christmas.

What's the project you're most proud of?
I don’t have one project I’m most proud of… I’m very proud of each and every item I have ever made. The simple completion of the item is a proud moment… then seeing the smiling face of the one receiving it make me even more proud…. And quite thankful that God has blessed me so with the crafting talent and giving heart that I have that I’m able and willing to do the things I do.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I have to say that being able to create gifts for others is my favorite thing about crocheting…. Along with all my other crating talents. I love being able to put a smile on someones face from a simple skein of yarn and a hook. A pair of slippers for grandpa … or a blankie for that new baby… or maybe a sweater for your neighbors daughter. Like I said before … I’m so thankful to God for blessing me the way He has. The creations are endless with a hook and yarn… and ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ *Matt 19:26*

What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
Well gosh…..lets see…. I don’t know that there is one particular type of project I like most. I just love creating…. Whether it be from someone else's pattern or my own design…. Just taking a hook and a skein of yarn or two and turning it into a toy… blanket.. wearable… etc. is amazing and fulfilling to me!

What's your favorite design you've ever created?
That’s a tough one to answer. There are so many stories behind all I have ever designed on my own…. I’m not sure I could pick one. Hmmm?

My son’s Prayer Blanket

Christmas of 2005 my sweet little man was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. During one of his more difficult relapses I created him a very special Prayer Blanket. He picked the colors and told me why. Yellow for the streets of Heaven.. brown for the cross.. and white for wings of angels and Jesus robe. Well………. I had no idea what this blanket was going to look like… I just started crocheting…. Before I knew it… I had his blanket done and he was covered in my prayers and Gods love. From that my son inspired me to make Prayer blankets for other children like him.

Prayer Blankets for Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

My first wearable for “ME”

This one is a bit selfish. I have never created a wearable for myself. And really I bet I can count on one hand how many things I ever created for myself. But I decided one day.. I was going to make myself something for ME. I was proud of myself that I met my deadline I had set .. it fit great … looked nice… and I received several compliments.

How do you go about designing?
Honestly…it all comes from whatever ‘need’ is about at the time. I have a need placed on my heart…. Which then starts changing to a design in my head… and before I know it… I’m putting down whatever I’m working on and trying out a sample item. With all the crocheting I’ve done from other patterns… it helps a great deal with knowing where and how to create a certain stitch to make the item form correctly. Now don’t be fooled… I do a lot of frogging (ripping out) but that’s what makes a good crocheter/designer…. Learning from errors. Not to mention creates determination to get it right.

What else are you interested in?
Oh.. goodness… all crafting. Knitting, Crocheting, Scrapbooking, Rubberstamping, Sewing, Beading, and so on. I have a couple little online stores/bisnesses… that I have fun with. CarltonCandyCovers, Wrapped to Go, igotmugs.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’m a proud mommy of 6 wonderful kids! I have 5 beautiful grandbabies… and I’m married to my best friend…. The most loving … giving man on the earth. I live on the outskirts of a small town in the country on 11 acres of land in a Beautiful house that my hubby built where I can sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while watching the sun rise or set. I love God and He loves me! I’m a serious coffee-o-holic. I love crafting. I love roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire in our back yard. *Coffee… love coffee* I love watching my 3 younger boys play baseball!!! I LOVE spending any and all time with my family. I love Coffee!!! A year ago.. I decided to change my eating habits which has given me some of my youth back… I lost 60lbs and feel so much better! Did I mention that I love coffee? Hmm maybe I did. Anyway…. Thank you for taking the time to read through these things … Thank you Andrea for doing a blog review on my blog.. this was exciting an fun… and Thank God for wonderful family and friends!

Thanks to Tammy for participating!

Through the Cracks

Somehow I missed posting this cute little set earlier. I think I made it during the time of the auction, and it was a baby shower gift that I didn't want to spoil!


The hat is the Divine Hat with a 5-petal flower embellishment. I used Sugar 'n' Cream cotton to make it soft for babies head. I used an H hook for flower and the body of the hat, and an F for the edging of the hat. I know I altered the pattern some to make it baby-sized but I don't really remember what I did... pretty much just worked it till it looked right!



The booties are from a free pattern I found somewhere which has since gotten lost :( I'll post the link if I ever come across it again!